Kansas Department of Labor reports fewer job openings

Topeka  The number of job openings in Kansas has declined over the past year by 4.3 percent, reflecting a tighter employment market in the state.

According to the 2011 Job Vacancy Survey released by the Kansas Department of Labor, there were 3.1 unemployed people for every job vacancy reported in the state. That was a slight increase from the 2010 rate of 3 to 1.

The statewide job vacancy rate was 2.3 percent, meaning there were 2.3 vacancies for every 100 jobs in Kansas. The highest vacancy rate was 2.5 percent in south-central Kansas, with the lowest rate of 2 percent in western Kansas.

State labor officials say the details from the report will be helpful in targeting workforce development programs emphasizing training for education and health services occupations.